An estimated 879,000 children in the United States were abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families in 2000, with about half of those children removed from their homes, and placed in foster care or institutions.

Already abused and neglected by their parents, these children can spend years lost in the maze of Family Court and temporary foster care, seemingly forgotten by an overburdened child welfare system.

It is up to a judge to decide the children’s future. Should they remain in foster care? For how long? What might make their home “safe” to return to? Should they be reunited with their parents? Should they be adopted?

Right here in Albany and Rensselaer Counties, there were over 600 children in foster care during 2004. These children desperately need the help provided by Capital District CASA volunteers.

What CASA Volunteers Do:
Once assigned to a case, the CASA volunteer reviews court, school, medical and caseworker records. The CASA volunteer talks with everyone involved including parents, foster parents, social workers, school officials, health providers and, most importantly, the child. The CASA then provides the judge with a factual, written report to help the court make a well-informed, timely decision about that child's future.During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child's situation to make sure he/she remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant the child knows as he/she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.

Who are CASA Volunteers?
They are ordinary people who care about children. CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. Many work full-time. Some are students or retired people. No particular experience or education is required.
CASA volunteers are committed, responsible, mature adults with a high degree of professionalism. They are strong voices for children in court, with a desire to change a life of hurt in to a life of hope.
CASA makes the difference.

Studies show that a child with a CASA volunteer:
o is more likely to secure needed services in a timely manner
o is moved from placement to placement less frequently
o is more likely to have their case reviewed regularly by the court
o has a better chance of living in a safe, permanent home

CASA: A Powerful Voice in a Child’s Life